Across town, an even larger number converged on a square calling for his removal and waving red cards emblazoned with the word "leave".

The president, who has held power for more than three decades, has repeatedly sought to appease the protesters, to no avail.

"We don't want power but we need to hand it over to trustful hands, not to sick, hateful, corrupt, collaborator hands," Mr Saleh said, calling the opposition a small minority of drug dealers, rebels and illegal money traders.

As he spoke, the president's forces tried to prevent more anti-government demonstrators from entering Sanaa.

Protesters also stepped up security around the central square where they have held demonstrations for weeks.